About a year ago, I saw the call for submissions to a book on mental illness. I laughed.
Because sometimes they only way to survive is to find the humor of the situation. Or, at the very least, make inappropriate jokes that diffuse the situation in your mind (your mentally misfiring mind, that is).
On April 7, a compilation of stories divulging the highs and lows of mental illness hits bookstores. One of my essays is among them.
I climb the walls of my mind just like I’m climbing on a jungle gym
I am more than content with the
state of mind I am in
’cause I am crazy just like you
I am crazy just like you.
Over the last few years there has been a push to end the stigma of mental illness. One way to end the stigma is to begin talking openly about mental illness.
I couldn’t agree more. (Although I did have second thoughts when I shared my affliction with ABC World News Tonight back in 2012.)
Personally, I’m fighting against depression and anxiety.
I don’t think I need a rubber room,
but hey, that might be nice
I’m not a manic depressive paranoid or schizophrenic
so I don’t need your advice.
I am crazy just like you
I am crazy just like you.
There is no one “right” way to treat diseases of the mind. It is very wrong to simply dismiss them, telling someone to “think positively.” But it is treatable. And in the meantime, we live our lives – sometimes even finding little moments to laugh.
The lights are on but nobody’s home
my elevator doesn’t go to the top
I’m not playing with a full deck
I’ve lost my marbles
The lights are on but nobody’s home
my elevator doesn’t go to the top
I’m not playing with a full deck
I’ve lost my marbles.
The book will be on sale April 7, on Amazon, for $12.99. A Kindle version will also be available for $3.99.
Contributors have also all agreed to donate a portion of their payment to a local charity in their community because we are committed to help others, to let others know they are not alone. (It should surprise no one, that my chosen charity is the March of Dimes.)
I’m a few bricks short of a load,
but a full load always hurt my back.
I flew over the cuckoo’s nest and
I’m never ever coming back because
I am crazy just like you
I am crazy just like you.
You are not alone.
Come laugh with us. Share, and share wide. You never know who you might save.
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From the editors, Alyson Herzig and Jessica Azar:
Our book, Surviving Mental Illness Through Humor, was born of the premise many people with mental illness suffer quietly. Fear holds individuals back from sharing their inner most struggles. Sometimes a lack of understanding from those around them helps perpetuate the internalizing of these feelings. We know this because we too have felt the stigma of mental illness. However, we realized the strength in accepting and sharing our illnesses with others.
Our goal is for all people who suffer from mental illness to find solace in the words and struggles of others and realize you are NOT alone. You CAN survive this. We are here for YOU.
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